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Rob Kailey is a working schmuck with no ties or affiliations to any governmental or political organizations, save those of sympathy.
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Wed Feb 11, 2009 at 16:34:58 PM MST
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| A few weeks ago, the Missoula County Public School Board of Trustees stepped in it. By a narrow 4-3 vote (taken when 3 Trustees were not present), the Board decided that a Wildlife Biology teacher had crossed the line from teaching to indoctrination by showing The Story of Stuff, a movie about consumerism.
Last night, a bunch of students and parents and teachers spoke out in response. Among the students was Ana Beard, whose perspective can be read at 4&20 Blackbirds (for which she has already earned a shout-out from Courtney Lowery at NewWest.Net).
The Missoulian's take is online as well. Here's the most interesting portion: Although board Chairwoman Toni Rehbein wants the board to revisit the topic, it won't be easy, in part because a motion to reconsider the vote must be made by a trustee who voted with the majority. Because of that, the voices of three board members who were absent for the Jan. 29 vote may never be heard.
For now, the vote stands, much to the chagrin of students, teachers and parents who spoke Tuesday night. Let me just say that it is nuts of the 4 board members responsible for this decision to refuse to revisit it. Narrow margins on issues that run head-on into important issues like academic freedom are poor ways to govern school systems.
There should be political concerns for these folks as well. School board elections are in May. Candidate filing closes March 27th. My guess is this whole issue is sparking a lot more interest in how to run for office.
Finally, I should note that I had the pleasure of working with some of the high school students who spoke up last night. Their good work is all their own. I just helped talk them through the process details of testifying to a public body, something that occasionally seems designed to intimidate civic newbies. |
| Matt Singer :: Missoula Students Prove Their Critical Thinking Skills |
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